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'Tournament of Legends' (Wii) Developer Interview

Tournament of Legends is a weapon- and magic-based 3D-fight game featuring some of the biggest playable characters on Wii. Each fighter is based on a legend from world mythology: the Minotaur, a powerful Gladiator, Gorgon, Stone Golem, Valkyrie and other well-known and powerful characters.

Tournament of Legends features epic battles in fantastic fighting arenas where they will wield mythical blade weapons, launch 40 magic attacks, and dodge giant mythological creatures that protect the battle lairs. In intense one and two-player fights, players master a range of character and weapon based magic attacks; including unleashing, amongst others, a man-eating lion, Jupiter’s Storm, Thor’s Fury and a nest of venomous snakes.

Q: Tournament of Legends is another Wii exclusive from HVS. Why is that — is Wii your favorite platform?

[Kerry Ganofsky] Wii is an amazing platform but asking us to choose a favorite is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. (laughs) We decided to release Tournament of Legends on the Wii for two reasons: first, the gameplay was designed specifically for the platform and second, building on our Quantum3 technology, we were able to take advantage of all of the bells and whistles that we used in The Conduit right from the start.

[Eric Nofsinger] Some of it boils down to what types of games we like to play around the office and if we feel there is a particular gap in the Wii’s library. This was a big reason why we chose to make The Conduit for the Wii after all. In regards to Tournament of Legends, we realized that there weren’t many unique fighters on the Wii, so we decided that a uniquely mythological themed, weapons-based title would be a perfect fit. Players can get a sense of dual weapon fighting with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. With the Wii technology behind our Quantum 3 engine, we are able to bring great looking characters and environments to the Wii audience.

Q: Can you give us some background information about Tournament of Legends please? When did this project kick off? What do you love about it? And what gave you a headache?

[KG] Tournament of Legends really started when we were deciding what our next original project would be after The Conduit. We evaluated the market for potential opportunities and weighed that against our manpower and interests. We found that there were very few unique fighting games coming for the Wii, and we’ve got a wide range of developers with a true passion for the genre in-house, so we decided to create our own!

[EN] I loved the process involved with creating the look of the characters. It was a flurry of great ideas swirling around the office with many people collaborating together – a very eye-opening experience. Getting the balance between each character and their vast array of special moves was a headache. Ultimately though, it paid off; we feel the special moves give a unique flavor to the game. Where else can play a game where you throw a steak at your opponent to lure a ravenous lion? (laughs)

[KG] I must say that the sheer variety in the combat is my favorite feature in the game. Unlike many fighting games that limit you to punches and kicks or a single weapon, ToL allows you to use incredible magic attacks that really add a level of depth and strategy to an already compelling fighting system. The biggest thing that gave me a headache was trying to remain competitive against our Lead Designer, Pat Dolan… I still swear he was cheating. (laughs)

Q: What’s your favorite character? And why?

[KG] Hands down, Narcia is my favorite character. First and foremost, she looks amazing but I feel that she features some of the most compelling strategies in the game. Her Petrify, Snake Swarm, and Viper Strike make her a devastating opponent, in the right player’s hands.

[EN] I love the Oni character. He is my favorite due to his unique design as well as his crazy attacks and great set of special moves.

Q: Would you rather be involved in a gun or sword fight?

[KG] I will answer with one of my favorite quotes of all time, “Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.”

[EN] Let’s see…how about a Gun Kata fight!

Q: In Sonic and the Black Knight, Sonic was using a sword. Can you confirm that this was your inspiration so we can charge you some money for it?

[KG] This was not at all an inspiration for our game, otherwise we’d have a Werewolf instead of a Minotaur (laughs).

[EN] Though to be honest, in the first draft of the game, our Minotaur was actually a giant blue hedgehog… (laughs).